RAM Upgrade 2133 MHz now having problems

Hi,

I have a MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)

I had upgraded the RAM modules of my MacBook Pro to 2133 MHz Using Kingston's HyperX Impact RAM, I was using these in my system for more then 2 years, a few days back, I had some GPU issues so I removed my HyperX RAM modules and Reinstalled the original Apple RAM and gave it to Apple to repair.

Apple has now replaced the Logic Board, I then put back the HyperX RAM back in my system and it only shows me a solid power light when I turn on my Mac. It doesn't boot up or make any chime noise or anything, I don't know why this is happening,

The HyperX RAM were working fine for so long but after the logic board change out there giving me issues. I even tried my RAM modules in on someone else computer and the RAM works just fine. It's just not working in my computer!

2 Answers

@mohur - When you start using RAM that is beyond the specs of what the system was designed to support you can get into some odd behaviors. Just because a company pushes a product as being better it may not be! Let me explain...

Think of it this way a given road has a speed limit of 35 MPH and lets say all of the cars that are on that road are at this exact speed. So having a car, bus, or truck makes no difference! As all of them run at this set speed. Now lets throw in a race car into the mix most can barely go 35 MPH as its just too slow! It spits and sputters as it tries to run at this slower speed. But on the open racetrack it can zoom!

RAM modules are very similar! The speed limit of the bus is set, you can't run faster than the bus (road). Yes, you can put in faster RAM. Doing it with the expectation you are going to get more or better performance is not really realistic.

OK lets dig deeper here by looking at the RAM's CAS speed of your RAM

What this system needs and your RAM:

Now look at your modules timing:

DDR3-1600 CL9-9-10 @1.35V or 1.5V

So depending on the given system's hardware you may encounter a problem as the range of the faster RAM is not as wide as the slower RAM. Your original systems logic board PCH may have had just enough range to support the faster RAM module unlike your current board. It's also likely Apple altered the timing a bit as that might have been one of the alterations needed to resolve the GPU problem it was facing.

Both of these show there is no real improvement in using faster RAM in a desktop class system.

I would focus my efforts on the amount of RAM as that has a bigger bearing than the speed of the RAM. To put this into perspective a lean system (i.e.4 GB) will need to use the Drive for Virtual RAM which would be very slow Vs maximizing the RAM for the given use (i.e.16 GB).

The focus needs to move to the systems storage if you really want to see the zip on booting as well as running apps.

If you still have the original hard drive you may want to think about upgrading it to a hybrid drive or make the big jump to a SSD drive. Don't forget the drives size is also important! A lean drive that is very full is not good. I strongly recommend a 512 GB or 1 TB SSD as a good start, and leave 1/4 of it free for the system and for wear management.

In conclusion:

- Getting the correct RAM is best, as the very slight improvement in using faster modules from what is expected is just not enough improvement in a desktop class system and may in fact make things worse.

- The amount of RAM is more important so the system does not rely on Virtual RAM, and then the type of drive is the next important aspect. From a HD to a SSHD to SSD if you can justify the expense. Or, go with a Fusion drive set or a RAID 0 set being the fastest external drive config (using Thunderbolt2 or Thunderbolt3)

Hi Dan , i already have a Samsung 850 Evo SSD, i noticed some difference when i was using the 2133 Mhz Vs 1600 Mhz ram, when i used to use 2133 mhz the graphics used to go really smooth and really fast compared to the 1600 mhz , when i use the 1600 mhz the graphic lags a little even when i do basic things like ( launchpad when i scrolling form left to right the graphic pages ) also i noticed that the mac takes little long to open apps and and boot , its become a little sluggish compared to before, before it was really quick and aggressive in processing also.

Just to be sure i did a SMC rise and NVRAM Reset but its the same old stuff.

Hi , i used to Use 2133 Mhz Ram on my Laptop for 2 years , now recently i had a GPU issue , so apple changed the logic Board, After Changing the Logic Board the when I install the Sticks on the New Logic Board, Only the Power Light turns on on the mac , nothing else. i don't understand why, it used to work before.

ya But the question is that it used to work Before On my mac I Used it For more then 2 Years without any issue. Recently i had a GPU Issue so apple changed my logic board , after the new logic board the Ram Sticks aren't working.

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